Leading Victorian maritime defence businesses will be on show at the Indo Pacific 2023 International Maritime Exposition in Sydney this week, thanks to support from the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Jobs and Industry Natalie Hutchins today visited the event where 37 Victorian manufacturers are showcasing their maritime and naval defence products to global industry leaders.
The three-day expo is just one of the major industry events where the Victorian Government is promoting the state's defence industry. The rights to host the biennial Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 2024 have also been secured, and the state will host the Avalon Airshow again in 2025.
Victoria's defence sector generates more than $8.4 billion each year for the state's economy, with thousands of supply chain businesses employing around 24,300 people across the state.
In addition to supply chain businesses, Victoria is a destination of choice for major global firms including BAE Systems, Boeing, Hanwha, Leonardo, Lockheed Martin, Moog, Saab and Thales.
To ensure the growth of the sector, the 2023/24 Victorian Budget has invested $4 million to back defence and space companies to secure more major contracts, while the $10 million Victorian Land Systems Fund will support local businesses to win work in Hanwha's supply chain.
Last month, Minister Hutchins joined Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles to officially launch the Victorian Defence and Space Network, backed by the Victorian Government.
Delivered by the Australian Industry and Defence Network, the free membership network will provide industry advice and intelligence and connect the local sector with domestic and global defence and space supply chains, while helping to create more jobs for Victorians.
For more information and to become a member of the Victorian Defence and Space Network, visit: vdsn.org.
As stated by Minister for Jobs and Industry Natalie Hutchins
"Victorian businesses are in prime position to take advantage of the new opportunities emerging from the Commonwealth Government's investment in AUKUS. Indo Pac is an opportunity for our manufacturers to showcase what we can do to a global audience."
"I'm excited to be representing our state at Indo Pac - Victorian businesses are leaders in this sector, with advanced manufacturing expertise, world-class research and a highly skilled workforce."
